On a Wing and a Prayer

Manchester Cathedral has installed a Bee Cam on the roof to welcome over 300,000 resident bees as part of the ‘On a wing and a prayer’ event this Saturday gone.

Part of the Cathedral’s Volition Volunteer programme, set up to help those seeking work or employment through volunteer roles including bee-keeping, the event’s aim was to teach attendees about urban bee keeping and fun facts about our little yellow friends. As well as aiming to arouse an interest for any potential volunteers into beekeeping.

Canon Rhodes is a Trustee of the Manchester and District Beekeeping Association – and teaches practical beekeeping at their apiary in Heaton Park.

Rhodes spoke before the event, stating that, “Beekeeping is such a fascinating and varied craft; never a dull moment – and always something more to learn from these incredible creatures. I have been very encouraged on how this part of the Volition Programme has helped many long-term unemployed find work and/or move into self-employment”.

The Bee population in Britain has declined rapidly over recent years, and the little bumbles are essential to our eco system. The event was a success, visitors left filled with a knowledge of urban bee keeping, and the ability to welcome more bees into urban life.